The London practice of physick, or, The whole practical part of Physick contained in the works of Dr. Willis faithfully made English, and printed together for the publick good.

CHAP. I. Instructions and Prescripts for the Cure of the Phthi∣sick, and Consumption of the Lungs.

WE must observe the divers states of this Disease, or the distinctive Marks which belong to it: As First, when it is meerly a Cough: Secondly, when it begins to degenerate in∣to a Phthisick or Consumption: Thirdly, when the Phthisick is consummated, or past recovery.

1. And First, as to a new Cough from what Cause soever it a∣rises, it is never free from suspicion of danger, if it happens in a Body predispos'd to a Phthisick; though in other robust Persons it be not presently to be fear'd: For if at any time it be rais'd from some great evident cause, and being without a Fever, and an indisposition of the whole Body, it proves not very trouble∣some, then it is said to be only a cold taken, and is either wholly neglected, or soon Cur'd without much ado. Again, if it be ac∣companied with a small Feaver, Thirst, and loss of Appetite, there is hope that the Blood being restor'd to its due temper, the Cough will also cease of its own accord; but if drawing in length, and not easily submitting to vulgar Remedies, it produces much Spit∣ting, and that discoloured, it ought no longer to be neglected, but must be dealt withal with a method of Cure, and fit Reme∣dies, and an exact Form of Diet: For then it may be suspected that the Lungs having receiv'd some prejudice in their Conformation do not transmit the Blood entirely, but with a deposition of the Serum, or Lympha, and often the nutritive Juice; and likewise that those humours there deposed do putrify, and consequently that by a reciprocal injury they taint the Blood, whereby it still offends the Lungs the more.

2. But if to a Cough daily growing worse and worse, with much and thick Spitting there be added a Languor, and falling away of the whole Body, a loss of Appetite, difficult breathing, thirst, and a boiling of the Blood; there is great cause to sus∣pect that a Phthisick is at least begun, if not well advanced: Wherefore we must then use all our endeavours both to free the Lungs from the offensive load of matter already gather'd toge∣ther in them, and to fortifie them against the continual Incursion of the same; and at the same time to cleanse the Mass of Blood of its dregs, and to restore it to a good Crasis, whereby it may duly contain its Serosities, and other humours within its own tex∣ture, or convey them to some other place than the Lungs.

3. But if beyond the state ev'n now describ'd of this Disease, the Spittle daily increases, and becomes more discolour'd, and all other things still growing worse and worse, there be join'd to it a total decay of strength, and a Hectick Feaver, with a continu∣al thirst, Night Sweats, a dying Countenance, with a falling a∣way of flesh ev'n to the drought of a Skeleton; then there is no room left for Physick, but only for a sad Prognostick, or at least all hope of Cure being laid aside, we have nothing left to insist on but Anodines, which may help towards an easie death.

Wherefore according to the said three states of this Disease, its method of Cure must be in a threefold manner: viz. First we must prescribe what is to be done for Curing a Cough, whilst be∣ing not entred the limits of a Phthisick, it has only the name of a Cold taken. Secondly, what is proper in a beginning Phthisick. Thirdly, what is to be done when it is consummated and despe∣rate.

1. Men of a tender constitution, or such as are inclin'd to a Consumption from their birth, or have sometimes formerly been us'd to be endanger'd by a Cough, ought immediately as soon as they find it coming to stand on their guard, and betake them∣selves to the Rules of Physick, according to which, to proceed methodically in a way of Cure, the Therapeutick Indications must chiefly be these three. 1. To appease or take away the disorder of the Blood, whence the Fluxions of the Serum proceed. 2. To derive from the Lungs to the Pores of the Skin, or Urinary pas∣sages, and other Emunctories, the dreggy Excrements of the Blood, and all superfluities apt to depart from it. 3. To corro∣borate the Lungs themselves against the reception of the Serum, and other humours; and likewise to fortify them against the in∣vasion of outward Cold, from which they are wont to receive a farther prejudice. We shall speak of each of these a little more at large.

1. The first Indication regards both the Effervescency of the Blood, in that it grows over hot, and boils in its Vessels, by reason of the Effluvia's being restrain'd within it; as also its disso∣lution, in that being loosen'd in its Texture, it lets fall too much the Serum and other Humours from its embraces, to remove both a thin form of Dyet must be ordered, and the person being care∣ful to avoid all injury from outward Cold, a pretty free tran∣spiration must be procur'd, or at least the wonted transpiration must be restor'd: For these ends let the Patient presently be thicker cloath'd, and let him keep himself in Bed, or within his Chamber; at least let him not go forth of Doors: Evenings and Mornings let a gentle Sweat be rais'd by giving him Posset-drink with Rosemary, or Sage boil'd in it: If notwithstanding the Cough grows worse, Bleeding proves often of good effect, so his strength and constitution bear it; after which Hypnoticks generally do well, inasmuch as they retard the motion of the Heart, and con∣sequently the overhasty Course of the Blood. Moreover, they cause it to pass the Vessels of the Lungs gently, and with mode∣ration, without casting off any great quantity of Serosities; and to send forth what is superfluous either by Sweat, or by Urine: For this purpose also Pectoral Decoctions must be given, because they destroy the Acidities of the humours, and hinder, and put a stop to the dissolution of the Blood, and its fusion into Se∣rosities. For the like reason and manner of Operating, Medi∣cines prepar'd of Sulphur are of such egregious use against the Cough.

2. The Second Indication, viz. the derivation of the Serum, and other dreggy Excrements of the Blood from the Lungs, and their Evacuation by other ways, is perform'd by Diaphoretick Medicines, Diureticks, and gentle Purgers; which must go along with other Medicines, or be now and then interchangeably us'd with them. Therefore after Bleeding, we usually give a gentle Purge, and sometimes repeat it. In the Pectoral Decoctions, let the Roots of Chervil, Butchers-broom, Elecampane, and other things moving Sweat and Urine be of the Ingredients: Millepedes, Volatile Salt of Amber, and other fixt Salts, and Powders of Shells, made into Pills with Turpentine, are often given with good ef∣fect.

3. The Third Indication, viz. the fortifying of the Lungs, and its Ductus's against the Fluxions of the humours and the assaults of the Cold, and the suppression of the Catarrh, vulgarly so call'd, is perform'd by Linctus's, Eclegma's, and other particular Reme∣dies, and has chiefly a regard to two things, viz. gently to close the Mouths of the Vessels and Glands that gape into the Trachea with Astringents, lest they cast forth the Serosities too much in∣to

it: And Secondly, To make smooth and glib the sides of the Ductus's of the Trachea, that they be not offended, and thence continually stirr'd up to a troublesome Cough, either by the sharp Serum coming upon them, or by the assault of any outward Cold; and moreover, that those Ductus's being made slippery enough, the Spittle sticking sometimes very fast to the sides of them, may be more easily gotten off and Cough'd up: For the First intent it is, that Conserve of red Roses, Olibanum, Mastick, Lohoch de Pino, Syrup of Jujubes, of dried Roses, of Cup-moss, and other Astringents are so often ingredients in pectoral prescriptions. On the account of the second intent Licorice, with its various pre∣parations is accounted so famous a remedy against any Cough whatsoever. For this end Syrups, Eclegma's, and all other sweet Pectorals seem to be ordered; to which is added Oyl of sweet Al∣monds, either given by it self, or reduc'd into the Form of some Milky pap by long stirring it with some Pectoral Syrup. These are the chief Therapeutick Indications, together with the apt in∣tentions of Curing, which seem to be of most considerable use for a new Cough, whilst it is yet free from the suspicion of a Phthisick, or at least not yet entred its manifest limits: It now remains after this general method briefly given unto you, to set down some Select Forms of Medicines appropriated to each In∣tention: These, though they are manifold, and diversly prepar'd, yet those that are of chiefest note, and most in use are Mixtures, Linctus's, Eclegma's, Tinctures, Balsams, Troches, Tablets, Powders, Pills, Decoctions and distill'd Waters: We shall give you some of the most Elegant Receipts of each.

1. Mixtures.

TAke Syrup of Meconium, and of Jujubes, of each an Ounce and a half, Olibanum powdred a Dram, Water of Earth-worms, or Hysterick Water, or Water of Peony Compound a Dram: Mix them, the Dose is one spoonful going to Bed, and after Mid-night.

Take Water of Snails, and of Earth-worms, of each an Ounce and a half, Liquid Laudanum Tartariz'd two Drams, Syrup of Violets an Ounce: The Dose is one spoonful going to Bed.

Take Water of Snails six Ounces, Syrup of the Juice of ground Ivy three Ounces, Flowers of Sulphur half a Dram: Mix them, the Dose is a spoonful going to Bed, and early in the Morning.

Take of our Syrup of Diasulphur four Ounces, Water of Earth-worms an Ounce: The Dose is one spoonful after the same manner.

2. Linctus's.

TAke Syrup of Jujubes, and Maidenhair, of each an Ounce and a half, Syrup of red Poppies an Ounce: Mix them, let it be taken with a stick of Licorice.

Take Oyl of sweet Almonds fresh drawn, Syrup of Maiden-hair, of each an Ounce and a half, Sugar Candy two Drams: Mix them by bruising them in a Glass Mortar, or shaking them in a Glass Vial till they grow white.

3. Eclegma's.

TAke Conserve of red Roses, two Ounces and a half, Lohoch Sanum an Ounce and a half, Species Diatragacanthi frigidi a Dram and a half, Flowers of Sulphur half a Dram, Syrup of Violets, or of red Poppies what suffices: Make a soft Lohoch; the Dose is a Dram and a half in the Evening, and early in the Morning; at other times let it be taken with a stick of Licorice.

Take Powder of the Leaves of Hedge-mustard, or of Rockets an Ounce and a half, Clarified Honey four Ounces: Mix them, make a Lohoch, give it after the same manner; it is proper in a cold Con∣stitution.

4. Tinctures.

TAke Tincture of Sulphur free from any Empyreuma three Drams: The Dose is from six drops to ten at Night, and early in the Morning in a spoonful of Syrup of Violets, or of the Juice of ground Ivy. I know not a more excellent Remedy in any Cough, so there be no Feaver.

Take Tincture of Sulphur of Antimony two Drams: The Dose is twenty drops Evenings and Mornings in a spoonful of Pectoral Syrup.

Take Tincture of Gumm Ammoniacum prepar'd with the Tincture of Salt of Tartar an Ounce: The Dose is from fifteen drops to twenty. Tinctures of Galbanum, of Assa-faetida, of the Gum of Ivy, prepar'd after the same manner, are likewise proper in a cold Constitution.

5. Balsams.

TAke Opobalsamum two Drams: The Dose is from six Drops to ten, in a spoonful of the Water of Hyssop, or Pennyroyal, or of any other Pectoral Water.

Take Artificial distill'd Balsam, commonly call'd Mother of Balsam two Drams: The Dose is from six Drops to ten, in a spoonful of Sy∣rup of Violets, or of Canary Wine at Night, and in the Morning.

Take Balsam of Sulphur two Drams: The Dose is from five drops to ten after the same manner.

Take Balsam of Peru a Dram: The Dose is from two drops to four, or six, in Conserve of Violets.

6. Troches.

TAke Species Diatragacanthi frigidi, half an Ounce, Licorice a Dram, Flowers of Sulphur two Scruples, Flowers of Benzoin a Scruple, Sugar Penids three Ounces, Solution of Tragacanth made in Hyssop water what suffices: Make a Paste, form it into Troches, weighing half a Dram; let one of them be taken pretty often in the Day or Night.

Take Seeds of white Poppies six Drams, Powder of red Poppy Flow∣ers a Dram, Extract of Licorice two Drams, Lac Sulphuris half a Dram, Sugar Penids two Ounces, Mucilage of the Seeds of Quinces what suffices: Make a Paste, and form it into Troches.

Take Species Diaireos, and of Fox Lungs, of each half an Ounce, Sugar Penids two Ounces, Solution of Tragacanth, what suffices: Make a Mass to be form'd into Troches.

Take Powders of Elecampane Roots, Anniseeds and Licorice, of each two Drams, Flowers of Sulphur a Dram, Tablet Sugar an Ounce and a half, Juice of Licorice diluted and strain'd, what suffices: Make a Mass for Troches.

7. Tablets.

TAke Species Diatragacanthi frigidi three Drams, Powder of red Poppy Flowers, Lac Sulphuris, of each half a Dram, Sugar dis∣solv'd in Poppy water, and boil'd to a consistency for Tablets four Ounces: Make Tablets weighing half a Dram.

Take Species Diaireos, and of Fox Lungs, of each three Drams, Flow∣ers of Sulphur, Elecampane Roots, of each half a Dram, White Benzoin a Dram: Make a fine Powder, and Oyl of Anniseeds a Scruple, Sugar dissolv'd, and boil'd to a consistency for Tablets eight Ounces: Make Tablets weighing half a Dram.

8. Powders.

THese, though seldom, yet sometimes are given in a Cough and affects of the Lungs with good success.

Take of the Reddish tops of ground Ivy what suffices, being bruis'd let them be made into a Cake, and presently dry'd in the Sun, then re∣duce it into a fine Powder, and keep it in a Glass; this Plant retains its vertue, with its smell and colour excellently well for a long time, beyond all Conserves and Syrups, and is of wonderful efficacy in a great and obstinate Cough: Give from half a Dram, to a Dram twice a day, with a distill'd water, or Pectoral Decoction.

After the same manner, Powders are prepar'd of other Pectoral Plants, and are given with good success.

Take Cup-moss three Drams, Lac Sulphuris a Dram, Sugar-candy half a Dram: Make a Powder, the Dose is from a Scruple to half a Dram twice a day. This Powder is proper for those that are troubled with a Convulsive or Chin-Cough.

Take Flowers of Sulphur, Olibanum, Ceruse of Antimony, of each two Drams, divide it into twelve parts: Give one Mornings and Evenings in a spoonful of some fit Vehicle.

9. Pills.

TAke Aloes Rosat. or rather Pilul. Ruffi, Flowers of Sulphur, of each a Dram and a half, Flowers of Benzoin a Scruple, Juice of Licorice diluted with water of Snails what suffices: Make a Mass, form it into little Pills; let four of them be taken at Night, repeat∣ing the Dose every Night, or every other Night.

Take Powder of Elecampane Roots, Licorice, and Flowers of Sul∣phur, of each a Dram, Flowers of Benzoin half a Dram, Tar what suffices: Make a Mass, and form it into small Pills; the Dose is three or four at Night, and early in the Morning.

Take Millipedes prepar'd two Drams, Powder of the Seeds of Nettles and Burdock-seeds, of each half a Dram, Oyl of Nutmegs drawn by distillation a Scruple, Salt of Amber half a Dram, Juice of Licorice what suffices: Make small Pills, let three of them be taken at Night, and in the Morning.

10. Decoctions.

THese are taken either by themselves, or with Milk added to them: Among those of the first kind, the Pectoral Deco∣ction according to the London Dispensatory, first presents it self; which is to be taken twice a day, from four Ounces to six or eight.

Take Leaves of ground Ivy, Maiden-hair, Harts-Tongue, Colts∣foot, Agrimony, of each a handful, Roots of Chervil, Butchers-broom, of each an Ounce, Seeds of Carthamus and sweet Fennel, of each half an Ounce, boil them in six Pounds of fountain water, till half be consum'd, adding towards the end either of Licorice three Drams, Raisins ston'd two Ounces, and six Jujubes, or of the best Honey three Ounces: Make an Apozeme, Scumming off the Froth, and Clarifying it with the white of an Egg. The Dose is six Ounces warm twice or thrice a day.

Decoctions to be taken with Milk are us'd Mornings and E∣venings instead of a Breakfast and a Supper, according to the manner following.

Take great Daisie Flowers a handful, Snails cleans'd, in number three, Candied Eringo Roots half an Ounce, Barley three Drams, boil them in a Pound and a half of fountain water to a Pound: Take from six Ounces to eight warm, adding as much of Milk, and afterwards let the quantity of this be encreased by degrees.

After the same manner, let Cup-moss, also the Leaves of ground Ivy, St. John's-wort, and of other Pectorals be boild, and taken with Milk.

Decoctions of Woods frequently conduce very much to the Cure of an obstinate Cough, especially being taken constantly for some time instead of Beer, as an ordinary Drink.

Take Roots of Sarzaparilla four Ounces, of China two Ounces, red and white Saunders of each half an Ounce, shavings of Ivory and Hartshorn, of each three Drams: Let them infuse according to Art, and boil in eight Pounds of fountain water to four Pounds, adding to it of Licorice six Drams, Raisins ston'd an Ounce and a half: In a Phlegmatick or cold Constitution, add Raspings of Guaiacum.

11. Distill'd Waters.

EVery Man may make many and different Forms of these, as occasion requires, and according to the Constitution of the Patient they may choose sometimes Milk alone, sometimes Milk with some part of Wine, sometimes Ale, or Brunswick Beer: I shall give you a Specimen of these as follows.

Take Leaves of ground Ivy, Hyssop, Pennyroyal, of each four hand∣fulls, Snails half boil'd in their shells two Pounds, Nutmegs slic'd, in number six. All of them being small shred together, pour to them of new Milk eight Pounds: Distil them in common Organs, the Dose is three Ounces twice or thrice a day by it self, or with some other Me∣dicine: When its taken, let each Dose be sweeten'd with Sugar-Candy, or with Syrup of the Juice of ground Ivy.

In a Constitution that is not hot, especially if there be no fer∣vent heat of the Blood or Praecordia, to six or seven Pounds of Milk add of Canary Wine a Pound or two, and in a Phleg∣matick or Aged Body, instead of Milk, let the Menstruum be Ale or Brunswick Beer.

Moreover, in the Winter when Snails are not easily, or scarce at all to be gotten, the Lungs of a Lamb, or of a Wea∣ther may properly enough supply their place, and sometimes also those of a Calf half boil'd and slic'd very small; and let them be di∣still'd with the foresaid Ingredients, and added to a fit Menstruum in common Organs, or a Rose-still.

In this Classis, where its treated of a Cough not yet arrived to a Phthisick; we may aptly range the Convulsive, or suffoca∣ting Cough of Children, commonly called the Chin-Cough. This Disease chiefly assaults Children and Infants, and at certain times, viz. in the Spring especially and Fall, its usually Epidemical. The Diseased have frequent and very cruel fits of Coughing, in which the Organs of Respiration do not only greatly labour, but likewise being affected with Convulsions, variously interrupt, suspend, or pervert their Actions: But for the most part the Diaphragm be∣ing seiz'd with Convulsions by it self, or by the impuise of other parts, obstinately so continues for a very long space sometimes its Contraction, and sometimes its Dilatation, that Inspiration or Ex∣piration being hindred for a time, the Vital Breath can scarce be drawn at all; so that the Coughers cry out as though they were strangled, and their Countenance turns black through the Stag∣nation of the Blood: If haply those Organs being not so much seiz'd with Convulsions, they can Cough out freely, nevertheless

they are still fore'd to Cough with violence, and so long till theia strength fails them.

Though this Cough seldom kills, or proves very dangerous, yet it is very difficult to be Cur'd, and oftner ceases of it self as the year changes, then it is conquered by Medicines. The reason is, that we must not only in this, as in an ordinary Cough, alter the Blood, and derive its drossy Excrements from the Lungs to the habit of the Body, to be sent forth by transpiration, but we must likewise take care to correct the Nervous Juice, which in this case is vitiated with a Heterogeneous and Elastick matter which causes the Convulsive motions.

As to the Cure of this Disease, the method of Curing us'd in other Coughs seldom proves successful in this; whererore only Empirical Remedies are commonly Administred.

Amongst many Remedies of this kind, the two following are usually preferr'd before all others whatsoever, and are chiefly in use, viz. to give inwardly Cup-moss, and various preparations and compositions of it, and if there be need of and further Cure, the Child is to be put into some sudden fright. And if these things work not the desir'd effect, Ptisans, Syrups, Julapes, or Decoctions and other Pectorals are laid aside, and commonly all other Medicines are thrown by, expecting till the Disease either ends of it self in process of time, or be Cur'd by the succeeding change of the year.

Cup-moss, so commonly us'd amongst us against Coughs of Children, has an Astringent vertue, (as we find by its tast) and contains Particles of a smart nature, which denote a plenty of Volatile Spirits, whence we guess its use to be to fix the Blood, and to moderate the Fluxions of the Serum, and likewise by Vo∣latilising the Nervous Juice, to take away its Convulsive disposi∣tion: Its usually given in the form of a Powder, Decoction, and Syrup according to the following Forms.

Take Cup-moss Powdred a Dram, Sugar-Candy a Scruple: Mix them, divide it into three or four parts, take a Dose Evenings and Mornings, with a fit Vehicle.

Take of the said Moss two Drams, Lae Sulphuris two Scruples, Powder of Anniseeds a Scruple: Divide it into six parts, give them after the same manner.

Take of the said Moss Dram, boil it in a quantity of Milk suf∣ficient for one Dose; let the straining be taken Evening and Morn∣ing: For those with whom Milk does not agree, or to whom it does no good; let a decoction of it be prepar'd in fountain water, or Hyssop water, or any other Pectoral water, and let it be given to two or three Ounces twice a day, sweetning it with Sugar, or some proper Syrup.

Take of this Moss an Ounce, boil it in two Pounds of some Pectoral Water, till half be consum'd: To the straining, add of Sugar-Candy a Pound, and let it evaporate in a gentle Bath heat, to the consistency of a Syrup.

The other remedy commonly in use for the Cough of Children, is to put them into some sudden fright, as by setting them in a Binn when a Mill goes, &c. which sometimes Cures the Disense on a sudden; the reason of which doubtless consists in this, that the Animal Spirits being put to flights, and driven into new di∣stractions, quit their former disorders, and likewise that the Con∣vulsive matter is either dissipated by that perturbation, or driven into other Nerves, where it proves less offensive.

The Empirical Cure of this Disease being thus set forth, toge∣ther with the Remedies vulgarly us'd, and their Aetiologies at least probably explicated: I shall now set down a certain ratio∣nal method of Curing, and haply more efficacious against these sorts of Coughs of Children: Therefore in such a case, I usual∣ly prescribe according to the Forms following, and sometimes successively enough: And First, since we must begin with a Purge;

Take Syrup of Peach Flowers a spoonful, Hysterick water a Scruple: Mix them, let it be taken Cum Regimine.

Or, Take Calamelanos six Grains, Scammony sulphurated, Rosin of Jalup, of each three Grains: Make a Powder, give it in a little pulp of preserv'd Cherries to a Boy of six Years Old; and let the Dose be encreas'd, or lessen'd according to the Age: Let the Purge be repeated in six or seven days.

If the Patient (as it often happens) be prone to Vomit, take Oxy∣mel of Squills six Drams, Salt of Vitriol four Grains: Mix them, give it to a Child six Years Old, and according to this proportion, let a Dose be accommodated to others: I have known this kind of Vomit given every Morning for four or five days successively to have done well.

Blistering Plaisters are much us'd, and let them be apply'd sometimes to the Nape of the Neck, sometimes behind the Ears, sometimes to the Insides of the Arms near the Armpits, and as soon as the Sores in those places begin to heal, let others be rais'd elsewhere.

Instead of Beer, let the following Decoction be his ordinary drink.

Take China Roots and Ounce and a half, all the Saunders of each half an Ounce; shavings of Ivory and Hartshorn, of each three Drams: Let them infuse according to Art, and boil them in six Pounds of fountain water till half be consum'd, adding of Raisins ston'd an Ounce and a half, Licorice three Drams.

Take Spirit of Gum Guaiacum with Sal Armoniack a Dram, Syrup of Cup-moss three Ounces, Hysterick water an Ounce: The Dose is a little spoonful at Night, and Early in the Morning.

Or, Take Tincture of Sulphur two Drams: The Dose is three drops at Night, and early in the Morning in a spoonful of Syrup of Cup∣moss.

To some persons of a hot Constitution, and turning of a deep red, or rather black colour with Coughing, I have sometimes successfully ordered a Vein to be opened, or that two or three Ounces of Blood should be drawn from them by Leeches.

Take live Millepedes cleans'd two Ounces, Powder of Anniseeds a Dram, Nutmegs haif a Dram, double refin'd Sugar an Ounce: Being bruis'd together, pour to them of Hyssop water six Ounces, Magistral Snail water two Ounces: Stir them together a little with a Pestle, and express it storngly; the Dose is two or three spoonfuls twice a day.

Thus far of the Cough and its Cure, whilst it is only an en∣trance to a Consumption; now we must treat of this affect, having pass'd the frontiers of this dangerous Disease, and set down a me∣thod of Cure, and forms of Medicines proper for Curing an Inve∣terate Cough, viz. when either neglected, or not easily yielding to Medicines, it begins to degenerate into a Phthisick, that is to say, when it is come to that pass; that the Blood being loosn'd in its Texture, does not only pour the superfluous Serum, but even the Nutritive, and haply the Nervous Juice, the Lympha, and other its dreggy Excrements on the Lungs, and deposes them within its Ductus's; and withal, that the depravation of the Lungs is by so much augmented, that its Vesiculae being distended, or many of them broken into one, and so a Solution of Continui∣ty, or an Ulcer being caus'd, a greater Mass of Matter for the Consumption is daily heap'd together: Moreover, and that the matter, in regard it is permitted to continue long there, Putrisies, and so still corrupts the Lungs more, and taints the Blood passing through them. In this case the Therapeutick Indieations are chiefly these three, viz. First of all to stop the dissolution or the Blood, which is the Root of all the mischief, and to prevent it from pouring always matter in so great a plenty on the Lungs. Secondly, To evacuate by Expectoration the corruption gather d together within the Lungs, and that sufficiently in some short time. Thirdly, To corroborate and dry the Lungs being dis∣solv'd as to their unity, or become too lax and moist, or other∣wise weak, lest they are daily more corrupted, and receive the Morbifick matter always more and more. Each of these Indica∣tions prompts us various intentions of Curing, and requires divers sorts of Remedies, and many ways of Administration; of which I shall here briefly touch the chief.

Therefore what the first Indication suggests, to wit, to stop the dissolution of the Blood, these three things (as much as may be) must be procur'd, viz. First, that the Mass of Blood may contain within it, and assimilate whatever Nutritive Juice it is supply'd with, and be so proportion'd with it, that it be not faulty either in quantity or quality. Secondly, That the Acidities engendred either in the Blood, or convey'd to it from elsewhere be so de∣stroy'd, that the Blood retaining always its Mixture or Crasis, be not so subject to Fluxions or Fusions. Thirdly, That all dreggy Excrements in the Blood be deriv'd from the Lungs to other E∣munctories, and places of Evacuation.

As to the first of these intentions of Curing, that the Nutritive Juice be proportion'd to the Blood, before all things it must be ordered that Persons troubled with a Cough and Phthisick, abstain as much as may be from Drink, and take liquid things but in a very small quantity, so that the Blood being weak in its Crasis, may be able more easily to subdue the minute Portions of fresh Juice, as long as it is not too much cloy'd with it, and to retain it within its Texture. Again, let that fresh Juice consist of such Particles as are subtle and gentle, that they may be ma∣stered by the Blood, and be assimilated without any eager heat of contest: Wherefore Asses milk, sometimes also Cows Mild, or Goats Milk; also Water-gruel, Cream of Barley, Ptisan, Almond Milks, and other simple sorts of food agree better, and nourish more than Flesh, Eggs, or Gelly-broaths, strong Ale, Wine, or any other kind of richer Fare. Secondly, That the Blood retain∣ing its temperament, be not easily dissolv'd into Serosities offend∣ing the Lungs; as well its own Acidities, as those of the other humours that are mixt with it, and especially of the Nervous and Lymphick humours must be destroy'd: Which intention is excel∣lently perform'd by Medicines prepar'd of Sulphur, which there∣fore in this case (so there be not a Hectick Feaver) are frequently given, and in a large Proportion. Wherefore let the Tincture, Balsam, Syrup, Flowers, and Milk of Sulphur be given twice or thrice a day in a good large Dose; for the same purpose Traumatick or Vulnerary Decoctions, also Decoctions of Pectoral Herbs (com∣monly so call'd) and Roots are to be taken instead of ordinary drink: Moreover, Powder of Crabs Eyes, of Millepedes, and of other things containing an Alkalisate or Volatile Salt, are often given with good success. The Third intention of Curing, refer∣ring to the First Indication, viz. That the dreggy Excrements of the depraved Blood, (in case they much abound) be withdrawn from the Lungs, and Voided by other Emunctories, suggests to us many ways to be put in practise for withdrawing them; For besides Bleeding, Evacuation by Urine, and now and then a gentle

Purge (which have place in all Coughs, even in a beginning Phthisick) we ought also to range here Baths, Breathing in a warm Air to promote perspiration, also frictions of the extream parts, Dropax's, Issues, Vesicatories, shaving the Head, Errhin's, Apophlegmatisms, and all other general or particular ways of E∣vacuating humours or vapours.

The Seeond Indication in a beginning Phthisick, viz. that the corrupted matter depos'd within the Lungs, be every day readily and clearly discharg'd, is perform'd with expectora∣ting Medicines: These are said to operate in a two-fold man∣ner, according as their vertue is conveyed to the Lungs two ways. For some of them taken by the mouth, immediately send their active Particles into the Trachea, which partly by making the passages slippery, and by loosening at the same time the matter there sticking, and partly by irritating the Excretory Fibres into Convulsions, cause an Expectoration: In which number Linctus's and Fumigations are esteem'd the chief. Expectorating Remedies of the other kind, which are justly e∣steem'd the best, exert their Energy by the conveyance of the Blood, for consistion of such Particles which cannot be subdued and assimilated by the Mass of Blood, when they enter it, being immiscible with it, they are presently cast forth again, and pe∣netrate from the Arteries of the Lungs into the Ductus's of the Trachea, where cleaving to the matter, they divide, attenuate, and so exagitate it, that the Fibres being thereby irritated, and successively contracted in Coughing, the Contents of the Trachea, and of its Vesiculae are thrown up into the mouth. Medicines proper for this use besides Sulphur and preparations of it, are Ar∣tificial Balsams distill'd with Oyl of Turpentine, Tinctures and Syrups of Gumm Ammoniacum, Galbanum, Assa-faetida, Garlick, Leeks, and the like strong smelling things; of which also Lo∣hoch's and Eclegma's are prepar'd, and these indeed work both ways, so that partly by slipping down into the Trachea, and part∣ly by entring the Lungs by the Circuit of the Blood, they set up∣on the Morbifick matter both before and behind, and so throw it forth with the greater force.

As to the Third Indication, viz. That the injur'd Conformati∣on, or vitiated constitution of the Lungs may be restor'd or a∣mended; such things must be us'd which resisting putrefaction, mundify, consolidate, dry and corroborate; for which ends also Medicines prepar'd of Sulphur, Balsamicks, and Traumaticks are proper: Hence some Empiricks successfully preseribe not only the fume of Sulphur, but likewise of Arsenick to be drawn through a Pipe or Funnel into the Lungs, Moreover for this reason it is, that the change of Habitation, as from Cities to a Country or

Sulphureous Air, or travelling from one Country into another hotter, proves so notably beneficial.

So far of the method of Cure which seems to be proper for a deeper Cough, or a beginning Phthisick: Now we must set down some Select Forms of Medicines according to each of those Therapeutick Indications, which also according to the way us'd in a gentle Cough, free from a Phthisick, we shall distribute into certain Classes, and those are Mixtures, Linctus's, Lohoch's, Tin∣ctures, Balsams, Troches, Lozenges, Powders, Pills, Decoctions, and distill'd Waters: We shall set before you some Examples of each of these, to which also may be added some of the forms of the Medicines prescrib'd before for a beginning Cough, and not yet arriv'd to a Phthisick.

1. Magistral Mixtures and Syrups.

TAke of our Syrup of Diasulphur three Ounces, Water of Earth∣worms an Ounce, Tincture of Saffron two Drams: Mix them, take a spoonful going to Bed, and early in the Mornign.

Take Syrup of the Juice of Ivy three Ounces, Snail water an Ounce, Flowers of Suslphur a Dram: Mix them by shaking them together, the Dose is a spoonful Evenings and Mornings.

Take Tincture of Sulphur two Drams, Laudanum Tartariz'd a Dram, Syrup of the Juice of Ivy two Ounces, Cinnamon water two Drams: The Dose is a spoonful at Bed time, and if the Person does not sleep, towards Morning.

The Syrup of Diasulphur. TAke Sulphur prepar'd after our manner, half an Ounce, the best Canary Wine two pounds: Make a close digestion in B. M. or in Sand for twenty eight hours: Which being done, take double refin'd Su∣gar two pounds, dissolve it and boil it to a consistency for Tablets in a little Water of Elder Flowers; then pour to this by little and little the Wine ting'd with the Sulphur whilst warm; let it boil a little on the fire, scumming it, and strain it through Woollen. You will have a mest delicate Syrup of a Gold colour, and of great efficacy against the Cough and other affects of the Lungs (so there be no bayling heat of the Praecordia, nor Hectick Feaver) the Dose is a spoonful Evenings and Mornings by it self, or with other Pectorals.

Syrup of Garlick. TAke Cloves of Garlick Pill'd, and out in slices, in number ten or twelve, Anniseeds bruis'd, half an Ounce, Elecampane Roots slic'd three Drams, Licorice two Drams; let them have a close and warm digestion, for two or three days in a pound and a half of spirit of Wine, put the clear and warm straining into a silver-dish; add of double refin'd Sugar a Pound and a half; the Dish being put on hot Coals, let the liquor be set on fire, and whilst it burns stir it; sirain it through Woollen, and keep it for use.

Syrup of Turnips. TAke Turnips slic'd, and double refin'd Sugar, of each half a pound; put them in a glaz d Pot, a lay of Turnips, and a lay of Sugar till it be full: Let the Pot, being cover'd with Paper, be put into an Oven to Bake with Bread; when it is taken out, press forth the Li∣quor, and keep it for use: The Dose is a spoonful Mornings and E∣venings.

Syrup of Snails. TAke fresh Snails with their shells, in number Forty; cleanse them with a Linnen Cloath, then each of them being run through with a Bodkin; let the Apertures of the shells be fill d with Powder of Sugar Candy, and being put in a Linnen Bag, let them be hung up in a Cellar, and let a Glass Vessel be set under them to receive the Syrup which will drop from them: The Dose of this is a spoonful twice or thrice a day in a fit Vehicle, viz. Aqua lactis, or some Pe∣ctoral Decoction.

2.3. Linctus's and Eclegma's. TAke Conserve of red Roses three Ounces, Tincture of our Sulphur two Drams: Mix them by stirring them in a Glass Mortar; the Dose is the quanticy of a Nutmeg at Night, and early in the

Morning: Sometimes to allay a troublesome Cough, you may add to this of Olibanum half a Dram, or a Dram.

Take Conserve of red Roses four Ounces, Flowers of Sulphur four Scruples, fine Oyl of Turpentine a Dram, Species of Fox Lungs three Drans, Syrup of the Juice of ground Ivy what suffices: Make a soft Lohoch to be taken after the same manner, viz. Mornings and Even∣ings; also to be suck'd at other times with a stick of Licorice.

Take Powder of Sugar Candy four Drams, Tincture of Sulphur two Drams: Mix them by stirring them in a Glass Mortar; let it be taken after the same manner.

Instead of the Tincture of Sulphur, you may put other Balsa∣mick Tinctures, as of Balsam of Peru, of Opobalsamum, of the Gum of Ivy, Guaiacum, Amber, with many others, which may be mixt either in Conserve of red Roses, or with Conserve of the Flowers of Colts-foot, or with Sugar Candy.

4.5. Tinctures and Balsams of the same nature and composi∣tion as we have preserib'd before in a beginning Cough, are pro∣per in a Phthisick, only the Dose must be a little larger.

Take of Tar an Ounce, Water of quick Lime thrice Cohobated, two pounds, distil them in Balneo to half: Then let the filtrated Liquor be drawn off in Balneo to the consistency of honey; to which pour Tin∣cture of Salt of Tartar half a pound: Let it digest in a close Glass to extract the Tincture: The Dose is from twenty drops to thirty, with a proper Vehicle. After the like manner a Tincture in gotten out of the black Oyl of Soot, Liquid Amber, Liquid Storax, and many other things.

Take of our Sulphur prepar'd with the addition of Myrrh, Aloes, and Olibanum in a subtriple quantity an Ounce: Let a Tincture be drawn off with Oyl of Turpentine, also with Rectified Spirit of Wine: The Dose of this is from fifteen drops to twenty.

6.7.8. Troches, Tablets, and Powders, because chiefly direct∣ed for the Cough, are in a manner of the same Nature and Com∣position with those before prescrib'd for that affect, when new taken; only that for drying and consolidating the Lungs Sul∣phureous and Traumatick ingredients are requir'd in a greater proportion.

Take Powder of the Leaves of ground Ivy a Dram, Flowers of Sul∣phur two Drams, Sugar Penids a Dram and a half, Juice of Licorice diluted with Hyssop-water, what suffices: Make Troches weighing half a Dram.

Take Powder of Yarrow bruis'd, and dry'd in the hot Sun, half a Dram, Flowers of Sulphur, Olibanum powdred, of each a Dram, Pow∣der of red Roses dry'd, half a Dram, Sugar dissolv'd, and boil'd to a

consistency for Tablets six Drams, Oyl of Anniseeds a Scruple: Make Tablets weighing half a Dram. Take one thrice, or oftner in a day, and especially at night, and early in the morning.

9. Pills. TAke Juice of ground Ivy Clarified in the Sun a pound, Flowers of Colts-foot dry'd, tops of Hyssop, Sage, Penny-royal, of each a handful, Anniseeds, Carraway-seeds, sweet Fennel-seeds bruis'd, of each half an Ounce; distill them in Balneo Mariae to half, then strain it, and distill the straining to the consistency of Pills, adding Juice of Li∣corice half a Dram, Powder of Elecampane Roots, Flowers of Sulphur, of each three Drams, Flowers of Benzoin a Dram, Balsam of Peru, half a Dram, Tincture of Sulphur three Drams, Laudanum Tartariz'd two Drams: Make a Mass, form it into small Pills, and take three or four at night, and early in the Morning.

10. Decoctions, such as we have before prescrib'd for an ob∣stinate Cough, may be also properly taken in a beginning Phthi∣sick. In desperate Cases I have sometimes very successfully pre∣scrib'd the following Decoction to be taken twice or thrice a day, and also instead of ordinary drink.

Take Guaiacum four Ounces, China, Sassafras, of each two Ounces, all the Saunders, of each an Ounce, shavings of Ivory and Hartshorn, of each three Drams: Let them infuse, and boil them in twelve pounds of fountain water to half, adding Licorice an Ounce, Raisins ston'd four Ounces; strain it.

11. Distill'd Waters such as before prescrib'd, are also proper here, to which may be added the Water of Solenander drawn from Hogs Blood with Turpentine; also Balsamick Waters distill'd from Turpentine with Pectoral Ingredients.

Take Leaves of ground Ivy, white Horehound, Hyssop and Penny∣royal, of each three handfuls, Roots of Elecampane and Florentine Orice, of each two Ounces, Turpentine dissolv'd with Oyl of Tartar four Ounces, Hyssop-water four pounds, Malaga-wine two pounds, di∣stil them in Sand; let all the Liquor be mixt, the Oyl being separa∣ted: The Dose is two or three spoonfuls twice a day, with a spoonful of the Syrup of the Juice of Ivy.

12. In the last place, We must here prescribe Forms of Va∣pours and Fumes, the use of which sometimes does more good in a Phthisick, not past recovery than any other Remedies; and

this because they go to the Lungs it self, and so by an immedi∣ate operation, Purge it, dry it, free it from Putrefaction, strength∣en it, and open its Ductus's.

First, Therefore let a moist steam be made after this man∣ner.

Take Leaves of Hyssop, ground Ivy, whit Hore-hound, of each two handfuls, Elecampane Roots two Ounces, Calamus Aromaticus, half an Ounce, Anniseeds, Caraway-seeds, of each an Ounce, being slic'd and bruis d, boil them in a sufficient quantity of fountain water: Let the Vapour of the hot strain'd Liquor be drawn into the Lungs through the hole of a Paper roul'd up Conically, or in the Jhape of a Funnel, use it Mornings and Evenings for a quarter of an hour.

2. A fumigation or dry Vapour is usually made one while more gentle of meer Balsamicks, another while more strong of Sulphu∣reous, and sometimes Arsenical substances.

Take Olibanum, white Amber, Benzoin of each two Drams, Gum Guaiacum, Balsam of Tolu, of each a Dram and a half, Powder of red Roses, red Saunders, of each a Dram: Make a Powder to be strew'd on burning Coals.

Take Gum of Ivy, Frankincense, of each two Drams, Flowers of Sulphur a Dram and a half, Mastick a Dram; with a Solution of Gum Tragacanth, make Trothes.

Take white Amber, Olibanum, of each two Drams, Auripigment prepar'd, half an Ounce, Storax Calamita, Laudanum of each a Dram and a half, with a sufficient quantity of the Solution of Gum Tragacanth: Make Troches for fumigation.

Empiricks ordinarily prescribe the smoak of Auripigment to be taken in a Pipe lighted, like Tobacco, and that sometimes with good success. Moreover its a practise with the vulgar to take bits of Cloth Painted with Auripigment (such as serves for Hang∣ings in Taverns) and shredding them very small to kindle them in a Pipe like Tobacco, and so to draw the smoak into the Con∣sumptive Lungs for a Cure.

Now in the last place it remains for us to speak of the great confirm'd Phthisick which is commonly past Cure, and to advise what is to be done when the Lungs being very much vitiated and affected with one or more filthy Ulcers do not convey the Air and Blood according to their due Course, but defile, or cor∣rupt the Mass of the latter, by Ministring to it continually a stook of Putrified matter, so that a Hectick Feaver, and an Atrophia through want of nourishment seize the Diseas'd with a great de∣cay of all their faculties, and daily impairing their strength, preci∣pitate them to the Grave: The most certain sign generally ac∣knowledged of this Disease growing so desperate, is a very trouble∣some

pain, with an Inflammation in the Throat, for this affect argues a great Putrefaction of the Lungs, whence the corrupted Effluvia's exhaling, stick against the narrow passage of the Throat and there pierce, and vehemently irritate the tender Fibres in that part: In this case its in vain to attempt to Mundify the Lungs, and to cleanse the Ulcer, and dry it; for all hot Medicines de∣signed for those ends, and proper enough in a beginning Phthi∣sick, are not to be endur'd when its confirm'd; because augmen∣ting the Inflammation of the Lungs they increase the Hectick Feaver, the Thirst, Watchings, and other very troublesome Sym∣ptoms, or stir them up a fresh: And indeed in such a state of this Disease, when we only propose to our selves to protract Life by helping towards a well-bearing of the Distemper, and to an easie death, those Remedies are of chiefest use that moderate the fer∣vour of the Blood, allay the heat of the Praecordia, restore the Spirits, and gently cherish them: Hence for Food, Asses Milk, also Water-gruel, Barly-Broaths, Cream of Barley; and for Drink, Pti∣sans, Emulsions, Milk, Water distill'd with Snails and temperate Pectorals are usually of greatest success. Let Syrups and Linctus's which lenify the Inflammation of the Throat and Lungs, and fa∣cilitate expectoration, be often or daily given, but especially gentle Hypnoticks to procure a moderate rest: I shall now give you some of the more Select Forms of each kind.

Take Barly half an Ounce, Candied Eringo Roots six Drams, pa∣rings of Apples a handful, Raisins ston'd two Ounces, Licorice three Drams, boil them in three Pounds of fountain water or two: Make a Ptisan to quench thirst; let it be taken three or four times a day, and if it agrees, let it be used instead of ordinary drink.

Take twenty Caudae Gammorum, Candied Eringo Roots an Ounce, a Crust of White-bread, Raisins ston'd two Ounces, Licorice three Drams; boil them in three pounds of running Water, to two pounds: Strain it, take three or four Ounces thrice a day; after the same man∣ner you may make a Decoction of Snails.

Take Snails half boil'd and slic'd three pounds, Leaves of ground Ivy six handfuls, Nutmegs slic'd, in number six, Pith of White-bread two pounds, Milk from the Cow eight pounds, distil it in an ordinary still. After the same manner you may distil a Water è Caudis Gammorum: The Dose is three or four Ounces thrice a day, sweetning it with Saccharum Perlatum, or Sugar of Roses.

Take Ears of green Wheat what suffices, distil them in a Rose Still: Let the Person drink three or four Ounces thrice a day, sweetning it, with Saccharum Perlatum.

Take Syrup of Meconium three Ounces, Water of green Wheat six Ounces: Mix them, let two or three spoonfuls be taken going to Bed every Night, or every other Night.

Take Conserve of the Flowers of Wild or Garden Mallows three Ounces, Lohoch de Pino two Ounces, Syrup of Jujubes two Ounces: Make a Lohoch, of which let a Dram and a half, or two Drams be often taken.

I shall now give Instances of some Patients which I have had in Cure in the foregoing Distempers: And First, of one troubled with a simple Cough, which begins of it self, and is free from the suspicion of a Phthisick.

Some years since I took care of the Health of a Student, who from his Childhood had been subject to a Cough, and was wont often to undergo severe fits of it, and of long continuance; he seem'd to be of a pretty strong Constitution, only that his lungs, being originally weak, suffer'd much whenever his blood began to run into serosities; in summer, as long as a free perspiration lasted he was sound enough, but spring and fall, when the blood changing its temper, either of its own accord or upon some slight occasion offer'd falls into serous fluxions, he fell lightly into a Cough accompanied with abundance of thick spittle; yet this affect very often vanisht by degrees within six or seven days, without any great adoe with Medicines, assoon as the mass of blood was purg'd by the lungs: But if to the said slight occasion of this Disease other greater Causes were added, as chiefly the stoppage of the Pores, and errours in Diet, sometimes a most violent and obstinate Cough came upon him, not soon, nor easily yielding to Remedies, and threatning nothing less than a Phthi∣sick: Then growing ill indeed, for the first days he had light shi∣verings in his whole Body, and perceiv'd a Catarrh in his La∣rynx: Afterwards he was troubled with a frequent Coughing, ac∣companied with a thin spittle, together with a giddiness, deadness of the senses, and a dropping at the Nose.

In this state his best Remedy, and often try'd with good success was to drink Sack somewhat freely, and as little of any other Li∣quor as might be; for by this means the Acidity and flowing of his Blood being supprest, and a more free perspiration rais'd, he sound himself very much eas'd, and sometimes in a very short space grew well: Moreover going to Bed, and first in the Morn∣ing he us'd to take seven or eight drops of Tincture of Sulphur in a spoonful of Syrup of Violets, or of the Juice of ground Ivy, Or,

Take Conserve of red Roses four Ounces, Spirit of Turpentine two Drams: Mix them, the Dose is the quantity of a Chesnut Evenings and Mornings.

But if these Remedies, together with the Canary Antidote, and a thin Diet do not do, the Disease not being Cur'd by such means, runs then to a great length, and following him sharply for some

Weeks, and sometimes Months, brings the Diseas'd to a mighty leanness, and even to the brink of the Grave: For the Cough growing daily worse and very troublesome, hinders sleep mighti∣ly, and interrupts it, his strength languishes, his appetite is deje∣cted, heat and drought press hard upon him: In the mean time the Spittle is daily increas'd, and cast forth in a vast quantity; so that afterwards not only the Serum and dreggy Excrements of the Blood, but even the nutritive Juice, and the wastings of the solid parts being continually pour'd on the Lungs, turn into cor∣ruption, which is Cough'd forth in abundance; but respiration grows difficult, the Limbs very weak, and the Flesh consumes ve∣ry much.

When our Patient was lately ill in this manner, we prescrib'd the following Method and Remedies, by the continued use of which he at length recovered: In the first place a thin Diet being ordered him, and Ale or Beer wholly forbidden, he took of the following Apozeme about four Ounces twice a day warm, and a little of it at other times cold, to quench his thirst.

Take China Roots two Ounces, Sarzaparilla three Ounces, white and yellow Saunders, of each an Ounce, shavings of Ivory and Hartshorn, of each three Drams: Infuse them according to Art, and let them boil in eight pounds of fountain water to half, adding Raisins of the Sun three Ounces, Licorice three Drams: Strain it, and let it be us'd for ordinary drink.

Take Tincture of Sulphur three Drams: Let him take from seven drops to ten going to rest, and early in the Morning in a spoonful of Syrup of Violets, or of Syrup of the Juice of ground Ivy.

When by a long use of this Medicine he began to loath it, the following Eclegma was ordered in its stead.

Take Conserve of red Roses four Ounces, Spirit of Turpentine two Ounces: Mix them by bruising them together, the Dose is about a Dram at the same hours.

Afterwards instead of this, the following Powder was sometimes taken.

Take Powder of the Leaves of ground Ivy prepar'd in the Summer Sun three Ounces, Sugar Candy half an Ounce: Mix them, the Dose is half a spoonful twice a day, with three Ounces of the following distill'd water.

Take Leaves of ground Ivy six handfuls, Hyssop, white Hore-hound, of each four handfuls, the Lungs of a Lamb half boil'd and slic'd small; pour to them of Posset-drink made with small Ale eight pounds, distil it in common Organs: Let the whole Liquor be mingled, and when it is us'd, sweeten it at pleasure with Sugar Candy, or Syrup of Violets.

To appease the almost continual toyl of Coughing, he swallow∣ed now and then the following Troches, or a little extract of Li∣corice.

Take Species Diatragacanthi frigidi three Drams, Powder of the Seeds of Annise, Caraway, and sweet Fennel, of each half a Dram, Flowers of Sulphur two Scruples, Flowers of Benzoin a Scruple, extract of Licorice diluted with Hyssop water what suffices: Make a Paste, and form it into Troches. Or,

Take Species Diaireos, è Pulmone Vulpis, of each two Drams, Flowers of Sulphur, Roots of Elecampane, of each half a Dram, Oyl of Anniseeds half a Scruple, Sugar dissolv'd in a sufficient quantity of Pennyroyal water, and boil'd to a consistency for Tablets six Ounces: Make Tablets according to art, weighing half a Dram; let him take one as often as he pleases, swallowing it by little and little.

In the midst of this Course, though he had a weak Pulse, and was of a cold temperament, he was let Blood in the Arm: Be∣sides these Remedies, a great benefit accrued to him from the fresh Air, which he took daily either on Horseback, or in a Chariot. For by this, he first began to recover his Appe∣tite, Digestion, and Sleep, which afterwards were followed by degrees with an abatement of the other Symptoms, so that at length he perfectly recover'd: He has us'd a method like to this, and with the like success, as often as till this time he has been troubled with a tedious and stubborn Cough; and now though he be wholly free from that distemper, yet he is forc'd carefully to avoid all occasions by which the Pores are stop'd; or, by which a Fusion or Precipitation of the Blood into Serosities is rais'd, such are chiefly his going by Water on the Thames, and his drink∣ing Acid Liquors, as Cider, French, or Rhenish Wines.

The foregoing Relation gives you a Type, and way of Curing a Cough, caus'd through the fault of the Blood, and not reaching the limits of a Phthisick: Now follows another which Illustrates the nature of the same affect, when it proceeds chiefly from the Nervous Liquor.

A Boy about ten years of Age, subject from his Infancy to be often troubled with a Cough, has undergone of late years some great and tedious fits of that Distemper, that is to say, he is wont at times to fall ill of a hollow and shrill sounding Cough without Spitting, which almost continually toyls him Day and Night, and so tormenting him for many Days, nay and Weeks, it brings him to a very great weakness: Afterwards the Course of the Disease being pass'd over, (which happens not till the store of Morbid matter be consum'd) in a short time he becomes well enough again, and as free as may be from any Distemper of the Thorax, till the Morbifick matter (as it seems) being heap'd to∣gether

again to a fullness, without any evident cause the same af∣fect returns, and acts over its Tragedy again with its wonted se∣verity: About the time it first seizes, the Cough usually troubles him only Mornings and Evenings; afterwards the Distemper grow∣ing worse by degrees, he often Coughs whole Days and Nights al∣most without ceasing, and if at any time Sleep either happening of it self, or being procur'd by Anodines, gives some truce, pre∣sently upon his waking, a more violent fit of Coughing comes up∣on him: After this manner Coughing very frequently and most vehemently without Spitting he continues ill for three Weeks or a Month, till he be brought to a mighty leanness, and an extream weakness; and then the Distemper remits by degrees, so that he Coughs somewhat more seldom, and Sleeps indifferently, shortly afterwards growing very hungry, he soon becomes full of Flesh, and vigorous, and recovers in a short time his former Health. These fits seldom trouble him in the Summer, but in the rest of the year they return sometimes three or four times, and put the Patient in great danger of his Life. The cause of this Distemper is not the same as of a vulgar Cough, in which a Serous humour distilling either slowly, or in a plentiful manner from the Vessels of the Trachaea, or of the Lungs into the Vesiculae or little Pipes of the Trachea induce the Symptoms that attend that affect; for it plainly appears that in this the Ductus's of the Aspera Arteria are wholly free from any Serum or thick humour, because the Cough which is always deep and sonorous, throws forth nothing: Nor does this Cough arise from the Blood forc'd into the Mem∣branes of the Lungs, because in this there is no Feaver, Thirst, nor Pain, as in a Peripneumonia; neither does its Morbifick mat∣ter seem to stick to the Nerves or Muscles ordain'd for breathing, because then besides the Cough, Asthmatick or Convulsive fits, with a sense of choaking would sometimes follow, which do not happen to our Patient.

I guess therefore that a certain Serous and sharp matter, full of a Scorbutick taint, falling from the Head by the conveyance of the Nerves, enters the Nervous Fibres and Membranes of the Lungs, or of the Trachaea, and throughly cleaving to them, in∣creases by degrees to a fulness, and at length growing angry and turgid, through its perpetual irritation creates so troublesome a Cough.

When this affect once seizes, it is wont to hold on its Course for a very long time, in despite of all Remedies: Pectoral Medi∣cines commonly so called, as Syrups, Linctus's, Eclegma's did little or nothing towards the Cure of this Disease, though some∣times I have thought good to use them for making the Lungs slippery, and to moisten them, lest hap'ly they should be endange∣red

to be torn asunder, by the violence of the Cough, and their Vessels to be broken; for sometimes in a violent fit, our Patient used to Cough forth a little Blood, though no thick Spittle.

A gentle Purge in the beginning of this Disease has often done good, as also in its declination. Opening and Diuretick Medi∣cines always work a good effect, of both which he uses what suffices throughout the whole Course of his Distemper, for his or∣dinary drink. Evenings and Mornings he takes some drops of the Tincture of Sulphur, with the Water of Snails lacteated: I was forc'd sometimes to give late at Night a Dose of the mix∣ture of Diacodium, or of Liquid Laudanum: In two of his fits he was Blooded, from which he receiv'd no good.

In the last fit, which beginning about the Autumnal Equinox, pass'd over somewhat more lightly and gently, the following method of Cure was observ'd.

First of all, this Cathartick was given him, and repeated after four days.

Take Calamelanos half a Scruple, Rosin of Jalup four Grains: Mix them, make a Powder, let it be taken in a spoonful of Syrup of Vio∣lets.

Take China Roots slic'd a Dram, Grass Roots three Ounces, Chervil Roots an Ounce, Candied Eringo's six Drams, shavings of Ivory and Hartshorn, of each three Drams, Raisins of the Sun ston'd, three Ounces: Boil it in three pounds of fountain water, to two pounds, strain it, and let it be us'd for ordinary drink.

Take Syrup of Jujubes two Ounces, Diacodium an Ounce, Spirit of Sal Armoniack with Gum Ammoniacum a Dram: Mix them, the Dose is a spoonful going to Bed, and early in the Morning: He was much reliev'd by this Remedy, though he took it only every other, or every third day; and sometimes in its stead, a Dose of the Tincture of Sulphur, with Syrup of Violets was given him.

The Disease declining, he was purg'd twice, and afterwards recovering by degrees, he grew well enough within a fortnight: But finding him subject not only to frequent relapses of Cough∣ing, but that each fit when it came upon him was irresistible, and that its stay notwithstanding any use of Remedies was of long continuance, and threatned nothing less than a Consumpti∣on: I advis'd him that as well for preservation, and in case the affect return'd, as for Curing it, he should Travel to a Region hotter than ours. He took my advice, and about the beginning of November went to Montpellier, where passing half a year, he had only two slight touches of illness: Since being return'd to England, he enjoys, thanks be to God, a perfect Health, quite free from his Cough.